Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO surpassed the novel Oral Polio Vaccination target during the recent second round national outreach, which clocked 114 percent of the targeted population.
The Bulawayo City Council, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, rolled out the campaigns, which were also conducted with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and partners.
The vaccine was administered to all children aged 0 to under 10 years from March 19- 22 following a successful initial phase that reported an unprecedented 111 percent coverage.
All municipal clinics, central hospitals, Mater Dei Hospital, selected private surgeries offering vaccination, crèches, primary schools, marketplaces, churches, bus termini and outreach points, including house-to-house were rolling out the vaccine.
According to latest council minutes, health education sessions on various health issues were conducted in all health facilities complemented by different videos with various health messages flighted on mainstream media, which helped raise awareness.
“The city achieved 114 percent surpassing the expected target of 95 percent most likely attributed to the highly mobile population and caregivers’ high-risk perception,” said the local authority. However, the campaign was marked by refusals by caregivers to get their children vaccinated mainly due to religion and conspiracy theories. Dialogue continues with refusals to ensure that all children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases,” it said.
“Social and behaviour change communication activities were conducted using various communication channels. Integrated key messages were on immunisation, waste management and diarrhoea prevention, including cholera. Street hailing continues as the major communication channel used in all three administrative districts.”
A total of 146 292 children were targeted for the campaign and 166 954 children were vaccinated.
Online Reporter